The ATS family was Cadillac’s first entry into the compact sport-luxury vehicle segment, where it competes squarely against the segment stalwarts — the BMW 3/4 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4/A5. In 2016, sales of the first-generation ATS are roughly half of what they were in 2013 as newer, more competitive entrants from the German automakers dominate the segment, and consumers continue to favor crossovers at the expense of sedans.
As with the Cadillac CTS, this turn of events puts the current model in an awkward spot as Cadillac readies its replacement, expected to be called Cadillac CT3. But while that model is on the horizon, Cadillac is giving the ATS several updates and changes for the 2018 model year — the sixth year on the market of the first-generation model.
On the outside, the 2018 ATSÂ loses three exterior colors while gaining one new one:
Deleted Colors:
- Moonstone Metallic
- Deep Amethyst Metallic
- Bronze Dune Metallic
New Color:
- Satin Steel Metallic (available at extra charge)

2018 Cadillac ATS Sedan in Satin Steel Metallic G9K

2018 Cadillac ATS Coupe in Satin Steel Metallic G9K

2018 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe in Satin Steel Metallic G9K
Cadillac also removes the Carbon Black Package and Black Sport Appearance Package from the 2018 ATS.

In a head-scratching, “why would they do that?” move, Cadillac is deleting the sweet-looking Carbon Black package from the 2018 model year ATS lineup
Inside, the 2018 ATS loses the glove box-mounted optical (CD) player and adds an automatic feature to the heated steering wheel, enabling it to turn on and off automatically in conjunction with the automatic heated front seats based on ambient air temperature.
Finally, the 2018 ATS gets the new Cadillac User Experience (CUE) Infotainment and Media Control System. The all-new system represents the third generation of CUE (known as CUE 3, for short) and introduces a completely redesigned user experience and new features like driver profiles, an all-new navigation app, and a summary screen. In the 2018 ATS, CUE version 3 is available in two flavors — IOS and IOT. The former replaces the second-gen IO5 and does not include navigation, while the latter replaces the second-gen IO6 system and includes embedded navigation.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may be different for other markets.
For the U.S. and Canadian markets, the 2018 Cadillac ATS is assembled by GM U.S.A. at the GM Lansing Grand River plant in Lansing, Michigan, USA.
More Information & Reporting
- Cadillac ATSÂ info
- 2018 Cadillac ATSÂ info
- 2018 Cadillac ATSÂ order guide
- 2018 Cadillac ATSÂ changes, updates, new features
- 2018 Cadillac ATSÂ Sedan info
- 2018 Cadillac ATS Sedan changes, updates, new features
- 2018 Cadillac ATS Coupe info
- 2018 Cadillac ATS Coupe changes, updates, new features
- 2018 Cadillac ATS-V info
- 2018 Cadillac ATS-V order guide
- 2018 Cadillac ATS-V changes, updates, new features
- 2018 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan info
- 2018 Cadillac ATS-V Sedan changes, updates, new features
- 2018 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe info
- 2018 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe changes, updates, new features
- 2018 Cadillac ATSÂ info
- Cadillac ATSÂ sales numbers
- Cadillac ATSÂ news
- Cadillac User Experience (CUE)
Comments
It’s a decent enough entry-level luxury sedan (although my preference lies primarily with the XE, A4/S4/RS4, and Q50). Would be nice if the ATS came with the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 to compete against the Q50/Q60 Red Sport; the power in the ATS-V could simply be dialed up a bit more.
The gauge cluster scares potential customers away. It was the deal breaker for me. The Camaro team did such a better job on the interior compared to the ATSV. AWD needs to be added to the next ATSV, the rwd competition is too intense to compete against.
As with the CTS the ATS is loosing an option that really gave both cars a sporty look . With both cars getting replaced soon this looks like a cost cutting move for products that aren’t selling anyway .
The icons on the new CUE look better , hope the system runs faster .
At this point, everyone is just waiting for the next gen ATS. The only way to sell these is with incentives.
Convert ythem to rhd and send then to Aussie. We would kill for a rear wheel drive sedan, now that GM have killed off our brilliant Commodore/ Chevy SS.
They can stick their German Opel Insignia right where the sun never shines.
A sad day here. Give us a rear wheel drive weapon back.
I never like the ATS profile….it looks like it stands on its tippy toes as it has a fat butt and sloppy front as result of a widged shape profile as being part of the car design disaster…..but unfortunately every dam Cadillac has that standing on tippy toes exterior design and fat and stubby butt.
Ats v amazing car. Totally unique and beautiful. When you drive one people flock to it. Everyone has a boring 3series or C class.
Only people with great taste drive Ats v.